Finding Sight in ZIMBABWE

Eyes4Zimbabwe, one of Globus Relief’s partner charities, began through the efforts of Reeve Nield, a professional golfer who had personally witnessed the profound impact cataract surgery had on children. During her travels, Nield discovered that approximately 80,000 people in Zimbabwe experience blindness caused by cataracts. Stunned by the relative ease with which this type of blindness could be corrected, she began enlisting the help of fellow golfers in an effort to raise funds for the purchase of needed equipment and supplies. Once these are in place, surgeons and nurses donate their time. Since 1996 Eyes4Zimbabwe has continued to grow, expand, and change lives. They currently support six operating rooms within Zimbabwe, but would like to expand that number. Eyes4Zimbabwe began with the mission of holding eye clinics, offering eye glasses, and providing cataract surgery, however, their operations have enlarged to include support for hospitals and orphanages with medical supplies, baby formula, clothing, newborn kits, hygiene kits, blankets, and food – anything that will help the people they have grown to love in Zimbabwe. They are looking at nearby countries that would also benefit from access to these same opportunities.

Years have passed since Nield first witnessed the bandages being removed from a 14-year-old girl who had lost vision resulting from bi-lateral cataracts. The impact of that initial experience has driven Nield, and those working with her, to spend subsequent years providing for the people of Zimbabwe. Those who had been blinded by cataracts, are given the ability to see clearly – sometimes for the first time in their lives. According to Nield, “many of the children dance” when the bandages are removed after their surgery, but “most are quiet – it’s quite a shock to see after so long. They sing. They clap their hands. They cry.”